2018 Own Your Own Stage Spot

When we started the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival in 2012 many songwriters asked to buy a stage spot. These songwriters told us they did not like to compete. They wanted their own solo stage, and they wanted to pick who played with them. The SMSWF obliged them and the SMSWF Own Your Own Stage Spots were formed. SMSWF Stage Spots are a niche for those songwriters who want to invest in their own songwriting career. The thanks and response we have had from those who purchase stage spots and the return for a stage spot experience percentage let’s us know we should continue to let songwriters have this option.

Performance days are Fri. Aug. 17th, Sat. Aug 18th noon to 11 PM.

A non-refundable $25 administrative processing fee is required to audition for these stage spots.

The last day you can request to Own Your Own Stage is April 30, 2018 (unless those stages get filled prior to that date). Those scoring a 10 during the audition rating process will immediately be granted a stage according to the order the requests come in.

The audition committee consists of people from businesses such as performance venues, clubs, bars, restaurants, radio producers, publishers, record label companies, choral and music teachers as well as simply music lovers. Members of the audition committee will rate each submission on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest score possible). The audition rating question being asked is how would you rate this person as someone you would like to listen to for 30 minutes straight? The top ratings receive the stages set aside for these stage spots. In this situation it is somewhat more about the performance than just about the song.

Only your original music is to be performed on a SMSWF Stage.

Tip Jars & Merchandise Sales Welcomed, Promoted and Encouraged!

Applicants awarded a 2018 SMSWF OWN YOUR OWN STAGE SPOT will receive a presence on the SMSWF web-site with bio and promo pic and a link to your on-line presence from the time SMSWF receives the bio and pic until the day the 2019 Stage Spot performers are announced. Your name and picture will also be featured in the 2018 festival program.

Christian Contemporary and Gospel Submissions will be given priority for Sunday Stage Spots.